Potty Training

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Can anyone please tell me how long should I expect Oscar to hold it at night? He will be 13 weeks old this Friday. We crate him for the night, the crate is in our bedroom so he does not feel lonely. I usually take him for last pee at around 10, 10:30 PM. He can hold it till about 5, 5:30 AM in general. Should he be able to hold it for a little longer? I wake up every morning to go to work at around 6, 6:30 AM. If he wakes me up at 5:30AM I feel a little frustrated since its only about 30 minutes I wish he could wait. I tried talking to him, telling him he is a good boy and to lay down, but he looks at me and barks. I don't mean to seem like a selfish person, however, I have been so tired since I got him I am falling asleep at work sometimes or after work when I sit to watch TV. I know he is still very young, but if anyone can tell me when it gets a little better..... He is really good, never had accident in the crate and almost none during the day. He can't hold it that long during the day and I pay attention to how he behaves so i pretty much know when to take him out. I give him water about an hour before I put him in his crate. I tried to do it 2, 3 hours before but than he is barking in the middle of the night because he is thirsty. It is summer time and he plays with my other dog every evening so I can't take the water away from him. Any helpful insights? Thank you.

[Sally S Miles]

Our doodle sleeps in the room with us, but she's a standard and the bed is only so big - but I think sleeping in the same room comforts them and sets the pace.   We've had dogs who did not sleep in same room, but most have.   At such a young age, sounds normal. We stopped water early, only the first week or so did she wake prior to dawn, and it's ok to let them 'grumble' a bit before letting them out!  Teaching is part of the game, that includes 'shhhhhhh' and let me sleep - oh those first weeks had me sooo tired from new activities. 

Learn the value of a nap.